US regulators have rolled back the net neutrality rules enshrined in law under President Barack Obama.The change is seen as a major victory for the telecoms industry but a blow to those who favour an internet that offers equal access to all.It could pave the way for net providers to offer "fast lanes" - where only wealthy companies can afford the best connections to consumers. Some 21 million comments were submitted in a public debate about the proposals.

In a statement, chairman Ajit Pai said the Federal Communications Commission's proposals would stop federal government "micro-managing the internet". Telecoms companies such as Comcast, Verizon and AT&T agree.

But a range of other companies such as Netflix, Google and Amazon, say the FCC's proposals will make it easier for the telecoms companies to give priority to their own streaming video services or impede messaging tools such as Skype or WhatsApp. The proposals will now be voted on at the next FCC meeting, on 14 December.

As the body has a Republican majority, they are expected to be approved and will probably take effect early next year although consumer groups have said they will challenge them in the courts.

Yet another excuse for a short term "buck making fest" for the always greedy US Telecommunications sector., you get what you pay for in politics it seems.

I've been following this story closely and it does seem that the FCC chairman is acting on behalf of the telecoms companies. He used to work as a Lawyer for Verizon and it would appear he's still serving those interests. It wouldn't surprise me if he gets a nice cushy job at Verizon, Comcast or AT&T after his stint at the FCC is over. Just a way for them to get around bribery laws with future employment opportunities.